COUNCIL workers have “grudgingly” voted to accept a pay deal, it was announced yesterday.

Members of Unite voted by 57% in favour of the pay rise of just under 2.5%.

The pay offer was increased last month to avert industrial action by local government workers.

Peter Allenson, national officer of Unite, which has more than 50,000 members at councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland covered by the pay deal, said: “This is a clear result from our members, but equally it comes with a message that it has been accepted grudgingly.”

Mr Allenson said council workers believed they were held in low esteem by their employers because of their pay rates.

Other council workers’ unions are yet to announce the result of their ballots.